OPERATIONS MANAGER – ELECTRICAL TESTING GROUP (NEW REGIONAL LOCATION)

 

Our client is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States — an ENR Top 500 firm with 40+ years of industry history, also rated as a top Systems Integrator Giant.

 

Their Electrical Testing Group (ETG) is expanding, and they are seeking an entrepreneurial Operations Manager to lead a new regional location from the ground up. This role combines operational leadership with entrepreneurial drive — serving as both Integrator and Builder of a new ETG Business Unit. You'll take ownership of day-to-day execution, lead a growing technical team, manage P&L objectives, and work alongside ETG national leadership to bring a proven business model to a new region. This is a rare opportunity to witness a business evolve from Infancy → Growth → Maturity — with your leadership at the center of that transformation.

 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

1. Operational Leadership & Execution

• Execute the ETG business plan — achieving or exceeding P&L, revenue, and performance goals

• Lead all regional operations including scheduling, resource planning, quality assurance, safety, and project delivery

• Implement and maintain ETG's operating systems, testing standards, and documentation processes

• Manage field operations for protective relaying, SCADA, and IEC 61850 systems commissioning

• Ensure alignment between technical execution and business objectives — balancing efficiency, quality, and profitability

 

2. Integration & Team Alignment

• Integrate all major functions of the local ETG operation — ensuring everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals

• Lead, manage, and hold team members accountable for results and commitments

• Build and nurture a healthy, cohesive leadership team under the EOS framework

• Resolve issues effectively: identify root causes, address conflict constructively, and drive solutions to completion

 

3. Business Unit Development

• Build the BU from the ground up — recruiting, training, and developing a skilled team of field engineers and technicians

• Establish vendor partnerships and client relationships within the region

• Drive growth through operational excellence, local market development, and client satisfaction

• Create and maintain structure and process as the BU transitions from startup to sustainable operation

 

4. Vision & Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with ETG national leadership to ensure clear direction and alignment

• Translate vision into actionable, measurable goals

• Maintain a strong partnership with ETG leadership — ensuring ideas are filtered, prioritized, and implemented effectively

• Ensure key messages and decisions are properly cascaded across the team

 

5. Systems, Structure & Process

• Operate within ETG's EOS framework: own the scorecard, lead local L10s, and manage defined KPIs

• Ensure consistency in how core processes are followed, documented, and improved

• Demonstrate strong project management discipline and operational consistency

• Uphold values of safety, integrity, quality, and innovation in every aspect of operations

 

 

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

 

First 6–12 Months:

• Establish the foundation: hire key staff, build client relationships, deliver first projects successfully, and drive the BU toward break-even

 

12–24 Months:

• Transition into the Growth Phase: solid team structure, sustainable backlog, and strong client confidence

• Local L10s running consistently, scorecard metrics trending upward, P&L tracking toward profitability

 

Beyond 24 Months:

• The BU is Mature: operating as a profitable, independently functioning unit within the national ETG network, recognized for its technical quality and reliability

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

• 7+ years in power systems testing, commissioning, or utility operations

• Proven leadership experience managing people, budgets, and project delivery

• Strong understanding of protective relaying, automation, and SCADA systems

• Entrepreneurial mindset — thrives in building structure from scratch

• Excellent communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skills

• Experience with EOS or similar operating systems preferred

• Willingness to travel regionally and work in a dynamic field environment

 

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

 

• Salary: $160,000–$190,000 annually (depending on location and qualifications)

• Discretionary bonus

• 14% of total annual compensation (salary + bonus) contributed to ESOP retirement each year

• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

• Full benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D, Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, HSA, FSA, PTO, Paid Holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, Referral Bonus, 401(k)/Profit Sharing, EAP, Will Preparation Resources, Worldwide Travel Assistance